"I'm surprised and horrified with some of the reviews. I'm a parent, who recently moved to America from a foreign country. I think that the school has done everything they could to make the transition as easy as possible for my kid. I think the teachers are competent and actually care about the children. I have to agree, that it's a bit hard to find out about homework until you see a missing assignment in the Power School. My kid has never ever talked about bullying in her class, even though she speaks with an accent and might be a bit different, since she is a foreigner. It's true that the kids get tons of homework and have to work pretty hard. But I see that as the parents responsibility to make sure that they actually do it. You can't blame a teacher for that. I feel that the academic level is where it should be. I only have good things to say about the school and I hope that they will continue the great work many years from now."

Parent Review | Rating:Posted 2014-10-31

"This school is a great example of nepotism, and a closed circle of political leadership. Most of the board and administrators live in one subdivision, the one that the school is in. The school chose not to have buses. This keeps the poor kids away. Most of the kids live within walking distance where homes are expensive. Woodland District has sued to close the school so there's a good chance that it will be gone by this time next year. This is supposed to be a public school. Special Ed options are limited. If your kid isn't related to a board member or doesn't live in Prairie Crossing subdivision, this is not the school for you. They get great test scores because these families have tons of money to hire tutors or Kumon. Not because the school is doing such a great job teaching. Class trips cost thousands of dollars. Who can afford these extras?"

Parent Review | Rating:Posted 2014-10-30

"PCCS is a great school compared to other schools in the other schools in the area. The only issue we see with this small school is that there is no way to know what is the expected homework and the due dates until you see an F grade in the Power School (web site) because it's missing Or late. By that time it's already late. As a result of NO advance communication from teacher to parent, the students suffer with bad grades. So be aware of some bad/lazy teachers at PCCS. This make PCCS an average school. So we quit."

Parent Review | Rating:Posted 2014-01-29

"I am the parent of a 4th grdr who has attended PCCS since K. In truth, I was already a supporter of the mission of the enviro focused curriculum, so this school is a great fit for us, but it's a wonderful alt for others too. It's not for everyone; kids here spend more time outdoors, getting dirty, journaling, going on extended trips, etc. than at other schools; please know what you are getting into before you decide to attend. Small schools will have the same problems any small environment has (think small town, workplace, etc.) but it also allows all of the benefits too; small class sizes, assistants in each class, feeling welcomed in classrooms-things that many parents say are missing in larger schools. Academics are still a high priority. Others try to argue this point but the results are not just in test scores (where PCCS excels) but also in the graduates it produces, most in AP classes at the top of their class in HS. Unique opportunities are given here to develop children into constructive thinkers. It's not perfect; no school is. It's smaller which means its warts seem larger in comparison but come see for yourself; it's not for everyone, but wonderful for those it serves."

Parent Review | Rating:Posted 2013-05-27

"Prairie Crossing is a mixed bag of good and bad. Some of the parents and spouses on the board chased away principals and some of the best teachers. There is is a new principal every years so if you don't like it wait a year it will change. The teachers are good but are underpaid. Many of the kids are cliqueish as are their parents. A friend who volunteered quit doing so because of parents wanted to micro manage everyone. It is always a danger when a volunteer thinks they own the place. this place has several parents that are famous for pecking at people. Over all, the education is far superior to Woodland, which does not have a gifted program either. It sends children who have been identified gifted out to night programs at other schools. Overall, the hands on experiences here and the special trips taken (often) for all grades makes this a superior education. This is proven in their scores on state tests. It shows again in high school as the PCC students regularly are chosen for Ap and honors classes over all others. Anyone in district can go there but there is always a wait list. It was worth the 2 year wait for us and we reccomend it over other grade schools in Illinois."